Concentrations of credit risk and sales to major customers

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Concentrations of credit risk and sales to major customers

Note 3 - Concentrations of credit risk and sales to major customers

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with high-credit quality financial institutions. At October 31, 2013, the Company had cash and cash equivalent balances in excess of federally insured limits in the amount of approximately $12.0 million.

Accounts receivable are financial instruments that also expose the Company to concentration of credit risk. Such exposure is limited by the large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across different geographic areas. In addition, the Company routinely assesses the financial strength of its customers and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts that management believes will adequately provide for credit losses.

Sales to one customer represented 50% and 33% of total sales in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 27% and 49% of total accounts receivable as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Although this customer has been an on-going major customer of the Company continuously during the past 15 years, the written agreements with this customer do not have any minimum purchase obligations and the customer could stop buying the Company’s products at any time and for any reason. A reduction, delay or cancellation of orders from this customer or the loss of this customer could significantly reduce the Company’s revenues and profits.

Sales of one product line accounted for $14.0 million or 38% of total sales and $5.6 million or 18% of total sales to a single customer for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company sells this product line to this customer under a written purchase order when this customer places orders. This customer does not have any minimum purchase obligations and could stop buying the product at any time. A reduction, delay or cancellation of orders for this product or the loss of this customer could significantly reduce the Company’s revenues and profits.